Each year, Kurdistan’s pomegranates are exported, marking a significant achievement for the region’s agricultural industry
One of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s key initiatives has been to promote domestic products, support farmers, and establish a brand for local produce. In recent years, farmers have received substantial assistance, and markets have been developed to sell their goods. In addition to honey and potatoes, pomegranates are exported annually.
Kurdistan’s Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, stated: “We have fulfilled our promise to focus on domestic products and export farmers’ produce to foreign markets. We plan to continue these efforts in the future.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and the government have made notable progress by exporting agricultural products abroad, creating profitable opportunities for farmers. Farmers work tirelessly for six to seven months each year to boost domestic production, with pomegranates playing a key role.
The annual pomegranate market in Kurdistan flourishes, particularly during Halabja’s Pomegranate Festival, where hundreds of tons are sold. Sirwan Ali, from the Alwa market, commented: “Farmers want to sell their produce when it ripens, and now there’s a strong market for Hiran, Nazenin, and Halabja pomegranates.”
Farmers appreciate the government’s support, as it encourages them to increase production without fear of financial loss. The Prime Minister’s initiatives have also helped open markets for other crops, including potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are produced in vast quantities.
Experts believe that exporting pomegranates to Europe is a critical step toward increasing Kurdistan’s agricultural exports. Ibrahim Haji Gerdi, a member of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We’ve succeeded in exporting potato products abroad this year, and regional products are now available overseas. Future exports of local goods to European markets will strengthen Kurdistan as an exporting nation.”